Police arrest man who allegedly ran over officer's legs

GRAND RAPIDS -- Police Friday arrested a man who allegedly ran over a Grand Rapids police officer's legs with a sport utility vehicle after the suspect was pulled over in a Thursday night traffic stop.

The suspect, who was not identified pending an arraignment, was apprehended in the 2900 block of Dawes Avenue SE about 5 p.m. The arrest was made without a struggle, police said.

Grand Rapids Capt. Jeff Hertel said an officer with 11 years experience pulled over the suspect's vehicle on Oaklawn Street NE, east of Fuller Avenue, about 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

The officer was approaching the Chevrolet Blazer when the driver of the vehicle pulled away, turned around in a driveway and drove quickly toward the officer, Hertel said.

The officer fired two shots at the vehicle before he was struck by the Blazer, suffering leg and head injuries. He was treated and released from Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital and is on paid administrative leave since he fired his service weapon. That is standard practice when an officer uses force.

The suspect fled and police were able to locate him today.

Authorities did not disclose the police officer's name, but said he is expected to recover.